SWAINTON - Eyeballs indicated there were lots of people in the county over the July 4-5-6 weekend. Preliminary county MUA sewage flow figures verify it.
Charts presented to commissioners by Wastewater Manager William Cathcart July 5 show the flow averaged 23.6 million gallons per day compared to 22.23 mgd last year. That's an increase of 6.5 percent over 2004 and 6.2 percent over last year.
All four wastewater treatment facilities showed increases.
Sewage flow includes everything that goes down the drains.
Noting that some of the figures are a bit mysterious, Cathcart warned that they were preliminary.
For example, the Wildwood flow was down 0.3 percent over last year while Wildwood Crest was up 30.4 percent. Cathcart said that was "hard to believe" although Wildwood repairs to stormwater lines that were leaking into sewer lines could be a factor in that city's lower rate.
Commissioners also speculated that new construction in Wildwood with new toilets that use less water per flush could be a factor.
Cape May's flow was up 8.6 percent over last year; West Cape May and Cape May Point were down 1.5 percent and 11.4 percent, respectively. Of course the Point is so small that if one kid forgets to flush, the rate can be affected.
On Seven Mile Beach, Stone Harbor was down 0.6 percent while Avalon was up 3.7 percent.
Sea Isle City was almost the same as last year, with 2.57 million gallons a day compared to 2.58 last year, possibly indicating there is no room for more people there in the summer. Ask anyone who tried to find a place to park.
Contact Zelnik at (609) 886-8600 Ext. 27 or: jzelnik@cmcherald.com